A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a parent and his school-age child who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
Encourage the child to take a 45 min nap daily
Administer prednisone on an alternate day schedule
Apply cool compresses for 20 min every hour
Allow the child to stay at home on days when her joints are painful
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Encouraging the child to take a 45 min nap daily is not a helpful instruction, as it may interfere with the child's normal sleep pattern and school schedule. The child may benefit from regular rest periods throughout the day, but not necessarily a long nap. ⁵
Choice B reason: Administering prednisone on an alternate day schedule is a helpful instruction, as it is a common way of prescribing corticosteroids for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and control symptoms, but they have many side effects, such as growth suppression, weight gain, and osteoporosis. Giving the medication every other day may reduce some of these side effects and improve compliance. ⁶
Choice C reason: Applying cool compresses for 20 min every hour is not a helpful instruction, as it may cause skin damage and discomfort. Cool compresses may be useful for acute inflammation, but not for chronic arthritis. Warm compresses or baths may be more soothing and beneficial for the child's joints. ⁷
Choice D reason: Allowing the child to stay at home on days when her joints are painful is not a helpful instruction, as it may lead to social isolation, academic difficulties, and reduced physical activity. The child should be encouraged to attend school and participate in activities as much as possible, with appropriate accommodations and modifications if needed. The child may also benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management strategies. ⁸
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A: The reason why the child is taking the medication
It is essential for the nurse to explain why the child is taking the medication. This helps the parents or caregivers understand the importance of the medication and ensures they are more likely to adhere to the prescribed treatment plan. Knowing the reason for the medication can also help in recognizing the signs of improvement or any potential issues that may arise during the course of treatment.
Choice B: The adverse effects of the medication
Informing the parents or caregivers about the potential adverse effects of the medication is crucial. This knowledge allows them to monitor the child for any side effects and seek medical attention if necessary. It also helps in managing expectations and reduces anxiety if any common side effects occur.
Choice C: Stopping the medication when the child feels better
This is not a correct choice. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if the child starts feeling better. Stopping the medication prematurely can lead to incomplete treatment of the infection and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Choice D: Written information about the medication
Providing written information about the medication is important as it serves as a reference for the parents or caregivers. This information can include dosage instructions, potential side effects, and any other relevant details. Written instructions help ensure that the medication is administered correctly and consistently.
Choice E: Using a kitchen spoon to administer the medication
This is not a correct choice. Using a kitchen spoon to administer medication is not recommended as it can lead to inaccurate dosing. It is important to use a proper measuring device, such as an oral syringe or a medication cup, to ensure the correct dosage is given.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Failure to thrive is not a likely condition, as it is a term used to describe inadequate growth or weight gain in children. The infant has a low weight percentile, but not below the 5th percentile, which is the usual cutoff for failure to thrive. The infant's length and head circumference are within the normal range, which also does not indicate failure to thrive.
Choice B reason: Microcephaly is not a probable condition, as it is a condition where the head size is much smaller than normal for the age and sex of the child. The infant has a high head circumference percentile, which is the opposite of microcephaly. Microcephaly can be caused by genetic disorders, infections, or brain damage.
Choice C reason: Hydrocephalus is a possible condition, as it is a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain, causing increased pressure and enlargement of the head. The infant has a high head circumference percentile, which can indicate hydrocephalus. The infant also has a low weight percentile, which can be a result of poor feeding or vomiting due to increased intracranial pressure. T
Choice D reason: Macrocephaly is not a definite condition, as it is a term used to describe a head size that is much larger than normal for the age and sex of the child. The infant has a high head circumference percentile, but not above the 97th percentile, which is the usual cutoff for macrocephaly. Macrocephaly can be caused by genetic factors, benign familial macrocephaly, or other conditions, such as hydrocephalus.
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